CEP Neurological Emergencies & Stroke Management 3

Question 1

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A brief episode of neurological dysfunction without permanent infarction, typically resolving within minutes to hours

Answer

A minor stroke with permanent neurological deficits lasting less than 24 hours

Answer

A warning sign exclusively of imminent hemorrhagic stroke

Answer

Transient loss of consciousness caused by a cardiac arrhythmia

Question 2

The mnemonic AEIOU-TIPS is used in prehospital assessment to evaluate:

Accepted Answer

Altered mental status causes

Answer

Chest pain differential diagnosis

Answer

Pediatric respiratory distress severity

Answer

Polytrauma triage priority decisions

Question 3

Classic prehospital findings associated with bacterial meningitis include:

Accepted Answer

Fever, severe headache, nuchal rigidity, and photophobia

Answer

Dilated pupils, hypertension, and bradycardia

Answer

Sudden unilateral arm weakness, aphasia, and facial droop

Answer

Focal seizures followed by a prolonged postictal state

Question 4

In a patient with a spinal cord injury at the C4 level, the paramedic should anticipate:

Accepted Answer

Potential loss of diaphragmatic function requiring ventilatory support

Answer

Loss of bowel and bladder control only

Answer

Complete motor loss with fully preserved respiratory function

Answer

Sensory deficits only, with motor function intact

Question 5

After administering 25g of D50 to a patient with a glucose of 30 mg/dL, the glucose rises to 80 mg/dL but the patient remains unresponsive. Your next priority is:

Accepted Answer

Reassess ABCs and consider other causes of altered mental status using AEIOU-TIPS

Answer

Immediately administer a second dose of D50

Answer

Administer naloxone empirically to rule out opioid overdose first

Answer

Perform rapid sequence intubation for definitive airway control

Question 6

Which pupillary finding is most consistent with opioid toxidrome causing altered mental status?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral pinpoint (miotic) pupils

Answer

Unilaterally dilated, fixed pupil

Answer

Bilateral dilated pupils with sluggish reactivity

Answer

Anisocoria with normal light reactivity bilaterally

Question 7

When assessing a stroke patient using the Los Angeles Motor Scale (LAMS), a score of 4 or greater indicates:

Accepted Answer

Likelihood of large vessel occlusion requiring mechanical thrombectomy at a comprehensive stroke center

Answer

Mild stroke unlikely to require advanced intervention

Answer

Complete stroke resolution consistent with TIA

Answer

Hemorrhagic stroke requiring neurosurgical consultation only